SAM: SUSTAINABLE ANTHRACNOSE MANAGEMENT FOR WATERMELON AND CUCUMBER GROWERS IN THE EASTERN U.S.

Objective 1: Understand the pathogen population biology of emerging anthracnose epidemics of cucurbit crops in the eastern U.S. to improve management strategies. We will leverage genomics and population biology to identify the Colletotrichum species complex(es) involved in emerging watermelon and cucumber anthracnose epidemics in the eastern U.S.; determine the population genetic structure, host specificity, and fungicide resistance profile(s) of species involved; and develop PCR-based diagnostic tools for Colletotrichum species identification and detection of fungicide resistance against fungicide groups (QoI, MBC, DMI and SDHI) (45%).Objective 2: Identify effective production and management practices to prevent or reduce cucurbit anthracnose. We will examine how different sources of inoculum (seed and crop debris), production practices (e.g., including drip vs. overhead irrigation), fungicide programs, host response in varietal selections and core PI collections of watermelon and cucumber lines contribute to cucurbit anthracnose outbreaks; and develop pre- and post-harvest management programs that are environmentally and economically viable (55%).